Jess Green was born Sept. 21, 1952, in Ada, Oklahoma, to J.L. and Mary Jo Green. He graduated with honors from East Central University in 1974 and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma School of Law in 1977.

Mr. Green honorably represented the Chickasaw Nation through years of practicing law on behalf of First American tribes nationwide. An attorney since 1977, he used his expertise to pave the way for several landmark decisions vital to First American sovereignty.

Mr. Green's work helped establish the first tribal juvenile court in Oklahoma as well as open the door for tribal gaming in the state. His legal experience includes eight years as a state court judge, tribal court prosecutor, tribal court trial judge and Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court Chief Justice.

He served in many professional positions including vice chair for the American Bar Association Judiciary Committee, chairman of the Oklahoma Bar Association Indian Law Section, chairman of the Chickasaw Bar Association and two terms as chairman for the General Practice Solo and Small Firm section of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

Mr. Green spent time as a member of the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature, where he served as chairman. He has received numerous awards and citations for his service to the First American Community.

He also worked through his private-practice law firm in Ada, Oklahoma, Mr. Green has a sister, Melissa Wilkerson and two children Destiny and Judd Green.

Mr. Green passed away on Sep. 8, 2012.